Texans (+5) over BENGALS: Given a steady Carson Palmer, Cardiac Cats are markedly improved, but it’s tough to embrace nick-of-time darlings in this price range, while Houston boasts solid history of rebounding from defensive disappointments. Texans (+5) reign, for one unit.

Giants (+3) over SAINTS: Dem Saints aren’t catching the untried-under-fire Jets in the Superdome this week. Visitors are the senior varsity, healthier than they’ve been in weeks and cognizant of the postseason playing-site implications of a win. Saints could be this season’s charmed-life outfit, but must prove it to us. Will pay to find out with Big Blue (+3), for one unit.

LAST WEEK: 1-2 (minus one unit). Ole Miss (minus one unit). Falcons (plus one unit). Colts/Titans Over (minus one unit).